I keep seeing on message boards, mailing lists, etc, that Robert "Howard" CASH,
who d. 1772 in Amherst Co, VA was son of William CASH who d. 1707/08 in Westmoreland Co,
VA. Is there any proof that Howard is Wm's son? I know there was a Howard in
William's will, but is it the same Howard? Here is why I question this:
1) In William's will, he is careful to arrange guardianships for sons William (age
19), and Thomas (age 11) until they turn 21; and daughter Anish (age 15) until she turns
18. There is no guardianship for Howard or any other of the sons.
2) If Howard was born 1703-08, as most researchers indicate, why no guardianship for him?
Was he an adult already, i.e. born by 1686/87.
3) I have seen some speculate that he was still a baby, or perhaps not yet born when
William wrote his will in 1707/08, but Howard of must have been born before 1707, as his
own son, Steven, was prob. born by 1726 as he was md. in 1747.
4) on 31 May 1704, William was exempted from paying any further taxes: "Upon the
petition of Wm Cash of Washington Parish on --?-- --?-- showing forth his great age and
inability in body and estate therefore praying for discharge from further payment of
public --?-- and parish levies ... Wm Cash --?-- from henceforth is acquitted from the
said taxes." (Montross, VA: Westmoreland Co Clerk Order Bk 1698-1705, Part 4
1703-1705). If he was that bad off in 1704, would/could he have fathered a child on or
after that date?
5) Or did William have 2 Howards, as I have seen written. If so, why only one listed in
the will when all the sons lived well past the will's date?
(Howard of Amherst was md. probably by 1726 - see #3, received land grant in Goochland
1735, died 1772.)
If Howard is William of Westmoreland's son: b. 1686/87; m. by 1726, age 40; 1st known
land, 1735, age 49; d. 1772, age, 86. Possible
If Howard is NOT William's son: b.c.1705 (ok); m. by 1726, age 21; 1st known land
1735, age 30; d. 1772, age 67. More likely?
However, the names of the sons do follow on into Howard of Amherst's descendents.
Could Howard be a grandson (instead of son) of William?
Am I all wet here? Any help out there? Please let me know your thoughts on this.
Thanks,
Jane Washburn
Jane Washburn
washburnfam(a)mindspring.com